Learning from Everyone

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” — Proverbs 13:20 (KJV)

When Antony started his new life, there weren’t yet any big monasteries in Egypt. People who wanted to devote themselves to God usually lived quietly near their own villages. Antony did the same at first.

In the next village lived an old man who had followed God in this way since his youth. Antony watched him and copied his example. And whenever he heard of another godly person anywhere nearby, he went to find them. Athanasius has a lovely picture for this: Antony went out “like the prudent bee”, collecting good things from each person to take home with him.

What did he learn? Athanasius lists it. From one person he learned graciousness; from another, constant prayer; from another, freedom from anger; from another, kindness. He watched one person’s patience, another’s gentleness, another’s love for Christ and for others. Then he tried to put it all together in his own life.

This is a really wise way to grow. Nobody is perfect, but almost every Christian you know has something to teach you. One friend might be great at encouraging people. A grandparent might be faithful in prayer. A youth leader might be really patient. Like Antony, you can learn something different from each of them.

Antony also worked with his hands. He had heard the Bible say that whoever won’t work shouldn’t eat. So he earned his own living, spent part of it on bread for himself, and gave the rest to people in need.

And he paid such close attention to the Bible readings that, Athanasius says, he remembered everything he heard, so that “afterwards his memory served him for books.”

Athanasius sums it up simply: “Antony was beloved by all.” He was humble enough to learn from others, and that made people love him.

One thing to do this week: make a list of five Christians you know. Next to each name, write one quality you admire in them. This week, try to learn from one of them: ask them a question, or simply copy one good habit.